Ohio State's expansion of its basketball arena behind schedule, will cost millions more

A construction project that was to build a new practice gym for Ohio State's men's and women's basketball teams, expand the locker rooms and weight room and add a rehab and exercise pool is behind schedule and over budget.

Athletic director Gene Smith confirmed on Thursday that the project, which started in June and originally was to cost $13.7 million, had risen in price to $17 million and will end up with a $19-million price tag.

The cost increase and construction delays, originally reported by The (Ohio State) Lantern, will likely push the job's completion to next fall. The new locker rooms may be available later this month.

Both the men's and women's teams open their seasons on Friday night in the Carrier Classic near Charleston, S.C.